4 Amazing Role Models of Mentally Resilient People

"Someone who never gives up" is the most basic definition of a mentally resilient person. For many of us, however, that's easier said than done.

Sometimes, life has a crazy way of turning everything upside down and knocking us off our feet. The loss is so painful, the setback is so devastating that giving up seems like the most logical option.

The next time you feel totally defeated, remember these 6 amazing names. They are people who embody true mental resilience and grit. They are people who didn’t give up in the face of insurmountable odds.

1. Henry Ford

 Henry Ford had a dream - a crazy dream, many thought at the time. He was determined to make the first mass-produced car in the world, making it accessible and affordable for the average Joe.

In the process. He went bankrupt five times literally losing every penny he owned. Where one bankruptcy would put anyone else off cars for life, Ford refused to be defeated.

With exceptional resolve, he somehow managed to find the funding to start anew. He did not give up.

Today, Ford cars are among the most popular in the world.

Not only did Ford live to realize his dream, but he has left a memorable legacy.

2. J. K. Rowling

 If this amazing lady had given up, Harry Potter and his compatriots would never have come to life.

Before her first novel was accepted by a publisher, the divorced mother was so poor that she had no computer and had to type out her work manually. She reports that she wrote her first book, Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone at a local café. She went there so that she and her baby could stay warm. She had no heating in her flat.

Amazingly, her book was rejected by dozens of publishers one after the other. But rather than giving up, she remained hopeful and confident.

The Harry Potter book series and movies have captivated children and adults worldwide and today, Ms. Rowling is one of the richest women in the world. 

3. Colonel Sanders

Can you imagine life without KFC? Kudos to Colonel Sanders for his awesome grit!

The famous fried chicken icon was repeatedly fired from various jobs before his fried chicken business skyrocketed. He first started cooking and serving his famous chicken from a roadside shed-cum- gas station that he ran.

He spent 10 years improving his secret recipe before finally opening his first restaurant.

Not only has he made his home state synonymous with fried chicken, Like KFC or not, but his empire is also still strong, and he has become a legend.

4. Walt Disney

His love of sketching adorable characters got him fired from his job because he would sit at his desk drawing all day.

He struggled for years until he finally opened his first animation company - which quickly went out of business. But his passion for animation only grew stronger.

Walt Disney's mental toughness and belief in his dream drove him to continue his struggles until finally, his first animated character, Mickey Mouse made his big-screen debut. Disney would say, “It all started with a mouse.”

He became an instant hit - and the rest is history!

Conclusion

If these 4 people didn't have mental resilience, if they had simply given up after the first few tries, we'd never have heard of then.  Thanks to their perseverance and fortitude, their legacies continue to bring pleasure and inspiration to millions of people. 

More importantly, whether you and I are fond of these 4 people or not, they are role models for resilience.

Let them inspire you the next time you consider giving up.